Jobs, deficits and taxes

December 19, 2012

"Since 1961, for 52 years now, the Republicans have held the White House 28 years, the Democrats 24," noted former President Bill Clinton. "In those 52 years, our private economy has produced 66 million private-sector jobs. So what's the job score? Republicans 24 million, Democrats 42 million."

During the last 45 years there have been five budget surpluses, all five were from Democratic presidents.

Between 1950 and 1959, median income rose 28 percent. The top federal income tax rate was 90 percent.

Between 1980 and 1989, median income rose 7 percent. President Reagan lowered top federal income tax rates in 1987 and 1988.

Between 2000 and 2009, median income fell nearly 9 percent. President Bush lowered top federal income tax rates in 2001 and 2003.

Between 1930 and 1939, average income fell 12 percent. A depression battered America.